Substitutes of PSG earn more than any other player in Ligue 1: LEquipe reveals the highest salaries in the French league

The gap between Paris Saint-Germain and the other clubs is widening. Among the list of the thirty highest-paid footballers in France, published by L’Equipe on Thursday, April 2, the first non-Parisian appears in 13th place, tied with two other PSG players. Two years ago, players “outside PSG” were found as early as the 11th position. According to Yves Leroy, responsible for the football section at L’Equipe, the observation is stark: “Some of the PSG substitutes earn more than any other Ligue 1 player. There is a significant gap between PSG and the rest of Ligue 1 in terms of wages.”

Among this list of the highest salaries in Ligue 1, there are 16 Parisians, eight Marseille players, two from Monaco, one from Nice, one from Lyon, and two from Rennes. It is noteworthy that there are no players from Lens even though Lens is neck and neck for the first place with PSG. “The highest estimated salary at Lens is Florian Thauvin, the World Cup champion, with estimated monthly gross earnings of 200,000 euros,” explains Yves Leroy. “It’s indeed an excellent salary but far from what PSG or OM pay their top player.”

However, PSG is offering lower salaries than before. The highest-paid is the Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé with 1.5 million euros gross per month. This is a far cry from the 6 million monthly that Kylian Mbappé used to earn. In reality, the current European champion is not the only one widening this gap with the rest of Ligue 1. “The gap is widening from the bottom with clubs having less and less revenue,” continues Yves Leroy. “The top table clubs continue to remain strong. PSG, of course, due to its financial stature and results. While the clubs at the bottom are tightening their belts very, very strong and will have to do so again next year.”

Because the television rights of Ligue 1 are constantly decreasing, and clubs have less and less money. Those who manage to do well are those playing in Europe. And this reflects on salaries. Out of the 30 highest-paid Ligue 1 players, 28 play for a European club.